Litigation Attorney

The leading Texas law firm representing commercial property owners in property tax litigation seeks an experienced litigation attorney to join its rapidly expanding statewide practice. The attorney selected for this position will receive immediate responsibility for a substantial litigation docket, including contested motion practice, hearings, mediations, expert witness matters, corporate representative depositions, and trial preparation. The position also offers second-chair trial responsibility alongside the firm’s founder and senior partner. This is an opportunity for an accomplished litigator to join a specialized and growing practice, develop into a long-term leader of the firm. A potential path to equity ownership is available to the right candidate. About the Practice The firm represents owners of significant commercial real estate assets in property tax disputes throughout Texas. Its cases frequently involve complex appraisal and valuation issues, expert testimony, contested discovery, substantive motions, depositions, mediations, and district court trials. The practice is focused, sophisticated, and highly analytical. The firm works closely with experienced commercial property tax consultants and valuation professionals, giving its attorneys access to an unusual depth of market, industry, and appraisal expertise. Responsibilities The Litigation Attorney will be expected to take substantial ownership of assigned matters, including: Managing a significant docket of commercial property tax litigation. Developing case strategy from filing through settlement or trial. Drafting and arguing substantive, procedural, evidentiary, and discovery motions. Preparing for and handling contested hearings and mediations. Taking and defending depositions of expert witnesses, corporate representatives, property owners, and other fact witnesses. Working closely with appraisal experts and valuation professionals. Preparing clients, experts, and other witnesses for depositions, hearings, and trial. Conducting written discovery and managing discovery disputes. Negotiating directly with opposing counsel and appraisal districts. Preparing cases for trial and serving as first or second chair, depending on experience. Communicating directly with sophisticated commercial real estate clients. Supervising and mentoring junior attorneys and legal staff. Helping refine the firm’s systems for motion practice, discovery, expert management, deposition preparation, mediation, and trial. Qualifications Qualified candidates should have: An active Texas law license in good standing. At least 10 years of meaningful civil litigation experience. Exceptional candidates with somewhat fewer years of practice may be considered if they have unusually strong deposition, motion, hearing, and trial experience. Substantial experience taking and defending depositions. Prior responsibility for defending expert witness and corporate representative depositions. Experience preparing for and handling contested hearings.Meaningful first- or second-chair trial experience. Excellent legal research, analytical, and writing skills. Sound professional judgment and the ability to manage matters with limited supervision. The ability to communicate effectively with clients, experts, opposing counsel, and courts. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. The firm is principally seeking an experienced litigator with strong judgment, courtroom ability, and the capacity to independently manage significant contested matters. Prior property tax experience is beneficial but not required, as the substantive property tax law and specialized valuation issues can be learned. Relevant backgrounds may include: Commercial litigation Property tax litigation Eminent domain or condemnation Administrative or governmental litigation Insurance coverage or other expert-intensive litigation Disputes involving appraisal, valuation, financial records, or commercial real estate The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a practical, business-minded litigator who: Is confident and composed in adversarial proceedings. Can identify the central issues in a complex dispute and communicate them clearly. Exercises good judgment without requiring extensive day-to-day supervision. Values preparation and trial readiness while remaining focused on achieving the best practical result for the client. Works collaboratively with attorneys, consultants, appraisers, clients, and legal staff. Wants to become an integral part of a specialized practice rather than simply manage an assigned caseload. Compensation and Advancement The firm offers: Competitive compensation commensurate with experience. Merit-based bonuses. Substantial professional autonomy. An opportunity to help shape the firm’s future. A potential path to equity ownership. A portable book of business is not required. The firm is seeking an attorney who wants to practice law, lead cases, develop other attorneys, and participate in the firm’s long-term growth. Application #J-18808-Ljbffr McDonald Law Firm